Paraffin for Molded Candles – Kerax KeraWax 4600
KeraWax 4600 is a high-quality paraffin blend, specially developed in the United Kingdom by Kerax for decorative molded candles (pillar, votive, geometric shapes, and embossed designs). Formulated as a hard wax with low penetration and excellent self-release properties, it guarantees a glossy finish, straight edges, and sharp detail. It is a classic choice for elegant handmade projects, holiday arrangements, and events. Its formulation is vegetarian, vegan, palm oil-free, GMO-free, and not tested on animals, with a fully traceable refining history.
A hard wax formulated to provide sharp contours, straight edges, and an elegant, glossy surface without the need for additional additives.
Formulated to contract optimally upon cooling for easy demolding from clean molds, typically without the need for silicone spray.
Scraps can be remelted and reused. It supports high fragrance loading (up to 10–12%) and blends excellently with wax-soluble colorants.
Technical Guide for Creators
- Mold Preparation: Molds must be clean and at room temperature (slightly preheating the mold ensures a superior gloss). For even cooling, space the molds 6–13 mm apart. For new molds, the first pour “conditions” them. Avoid copper or zinc containers and equipment; stainless steel utensils are recommended.
- Choosing the Wick: Paraffin generally requires thinner wicks than vegetable waxes. We recommend the FB series (flat, self-cleaning, ideal for thin to medium diameters) or Stabilo Wedo (for strongly scented candles). Trim the wick to approximately 6 mm before each lighting. Adjust the length through testing: the wax pool should reach the rim within 2–3 hours.
- Color Integration: Use only wax-soluble dyes (undissolved pigments leave spots on the bottom of the container). Heat the wax to 70°C for liquid dyes, flakes, or pre-dissolved blocks, and to 80–90°C for powdered dyes. Stir thoroughly until completely dissolved.
- Fragrance Addition: It can accommodate up to 10–12% of the wax’s weight. Add the fragrance just before pouring and mix thoroughly. It pairs well with a wide variety of fragrances (pine, apple with cinnamon, cotton flowers, etc.).
- Two-Stage Melting, Pouring, and Cooling: Melt the wax (temporary temperatures up to 90°C will not affect it if it is cooled quickly). Perform the first pour at 65°C, filling the mold to the top (or 3 mm below the rim for votives). Once the center has solidified and left a contraction gap, perform the second pour at 60°C (first piercing two holes near the wick) to fill the surface. Large candles (7–10 cm) almost always require this filling.
Temperatures and Working Conditions
| Melting Point | 54–57 °C (typically 55.5 °C) |
| Viscosity at 100°C | 4–5 cSt (typically 4.5 cSt) |
| Penetration at 25°C / 43.4°C | Max. 15 dmm (Typical 10 dmm) / 80–180 dmm (Typical 142 dmm) |
| Melting Temperature & Color Addition | 70 °C (liquid/flakes) | 80–90 °C (powder) |
| Pouring Temperature (First / Second) | 65 °C (First pour) / 60 °C (Second top-up pour) |
| Fragrance Concentration | Up to 10%–12% of the wax’s weight |
Quality, Recommendations, and Storage
| Specifications | Details / Compliance (KeraWax 4600) |
|---|---|
| Origin and Sustainability | Manufactured in the United Kingdom (Kerax). Refined mineral paraffin wax, free of animal-derived ingredients, GMO-free, free of residual solvents (CPMP/ICH283/95), and free of palm oil. Not tested on animals. |
| Recommended Equipment | Stainless steel or mild steel pots. Avoid copper or zinc containers (they accelerate discoloration). Use digital thermometers. |
| Demolding and Troubleshooting | Self-releasing wax. In rare cases of sticking, use silicone spray or place the mold in the refrigerator for a few minutes. |
| Storage Conditions & Shelf Life | Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Excellent long-term stability (no known shelf-life issues). |
Pro Tip: Curing and Cooling
Allow the candle to cool undisturbed at room temperature (18–25 °C) for at least 48 hours before testing the burn. Avoid sudden cooling in the refrigerator or on cold surfaces to prevent cracking. To allow the fragrance to fully bind with the wax structure and reach its maximum olfactory potential, a total curing time of 14 days after pouring is recommended.
Troubleshooting Guide (Common Problems)
| Problem | Probable Cause | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The candle won’t come out of the mold | The wax is too hot or too cold, or the mold is dirty. | Follow the temperatures in the table. Use clean molds; place the mold in the refrigerator for a few minutes or use silicone spray. |
| Cracks in the wax | Cooling too quickly. | Let the candle cool slowly at room temperature (18–25 °C; do not place it on cold surfaces or directly in the refrigerator). |
| Holes or indentations near the wick | Natural contraction of the wax as it cools. | Poke two holes near the wick and perform a second pour at 60°C. |
| Marbled spots / white film | Crystallization, excess fragrance, or uneven cooling. | Follow the fragrance dosage, preheat the mold, and ensure consistent cooling conditions. |
| Oily surface | Excessive or incompatible fragrance. | Reduce the fragrance percentage and choose essences suitable for paraffin. |
| Smoke or tunneling during burning | Wick not suitable for the diameter. | Test with smaller or larger wicks from the recommended ranges. |











Reviews
There are no reviews yet.